🪤 Staying Safe & Avoiding Scams in Your Community

Common Scams That Target Newcomers by Phone, Text, Email, and Social Media

Scammers often target immigrants, hoping you are still learning how U.S. agencies and businesses operate. Knowing their usual tricks helps you stay one step ahead.

📞 Phone Scams

Callers often pretend to be authority figures to create fear.

• Callers claim to be from immigration (USCIS), the IRS, or local police, threatening arrest or deportation unless you pay immediately.
• They demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Good to know: Real government agencies will never call out of the blue demanding immediate payment over the phone.

💬 Text Message Scams

Scam texts use urgent warnings to trick you into tapping malicious links.

• Fake package alerts ask you to click a link to "confirm delivery details."
• Urgent bank warnings claim your account is locked or suspended.
• Good to know: Avoid tapping links in unexpected texts; go directly to the company’s official app or site instead.

📧 Email Scams

Fake emails try to look official to steal login details or personal files.

• High-paying work-from-home job offers that don't require an interview or experience.
• "Phishing" emails asking you to click a link to verify your password or account details.
• Good to know: Look for red flags like misspellings, strange sender addresses, or unexpected file attachments.

🌐 Social Media Scams

Online marketplaces and social groups can sometimes host deceptive posts.

• Sellers listing high-value items at unusually cheap prices that don't actually exist.
• Online acquaintances who quickly build trust and then ask for financial help or gift cards.
• Fake community posts asking for emergency donations or personal documents.

How to Protect Your Personal Information and Money

Protecting your personal details is your best line of defense. When you keep your information secure, scammers cannot harm you.

🔐 Protect Your Personal Details

Treat your sensitive documents like cash.

• Never share Social Security numbers, bank info, or immigration documents with unverified contacts.
• Create strong passwords using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for online accounts.
• Turn on two-step verification (2FA) so your phone receives a code whenever someone tries to log in.

💳 Protect Your Money

Scammers rely on rushing you before you have time to think clearly.

• Never pay anyone you don't know with gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps.
• Use credit cards for online transactions when possible, as they offer the strongest fraud protections.
• Keep receipts and confirmation emails in case you ever need to dispute a charge with your bank.

📱 Protect Your Devices

Simple device maintenance keeps hackers out.

• Install software and security updates as soon as your phone or computer prompts you.
• Keep your phone locked with a password, PIN, or fingerprint scan when not in use.

How to Check If a Message or Offer Is Real Before You Respond

When in doubt, pause. Taking a few minutes to verify a message helps you avoid costly mistakes.

🔎 Step 1: Inspect the Sender Details

• Check the full email address behind the display name to ensure it matches the official organization domain.
• Be cautious with calls or messages from unexpected or out-of-state phone numbers.

📝 Step 2: Look for High-Pressure Language

• Watch out for urgent words like "Act immediately," "Warrant issued," or "Final notice."
• Real companies and agencies will give you reasonable time to handle official business.

🌐 Step 3: Verify Through Official Channels

• Never use phone numbers or links provided inside a suspicious message.
• Look up the official website independently, or call the customer service number printed on the back of your card.

⏳ Step 4: Talk It Over Before Acting

• Pause and ask a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor for a second opinion.
• If something still feels wrong, delete the message or hang up. You are always allowed to end the conversation.

Where to Report Scams and Get Help If You Are Worried

If you suspect you've been targeted or lost money, you are not alone. Reporting the incident helps protect both you and your community.

🏦 Your Bank or Credit Card Provider

• Contact your bank immediately if you shared card details or sent money to a scammer.
• They can freeze your account, block unauthorized charges, and issue new cards.

🚓 Local Police (Non-Emergency)

• File a report with your local police department if you lost money or had your identity stolen.
• Use the local non-emergency phone number (reserve 911 strictly for immediate emergencies).

🛡️ Federal and State Consumer Protection

• Report fraud online to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help authorities track down scam networks.
• Reach out to your state's Consumer Protection Office for guidance on local fraud issues.

🤝 Local Community & Immigrant Support Groups

• Local newcomer organizations offer free guidance, translation help, and supportive advice if you face a difficult situation.

✔ Summary Checklist

Keep these simple rules in mind whenever you receive an unexpected message or offer:

• Government Agencies: Real officials (USCIS, IRS, police) will never call demanding immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto.
• Links & Messages: Avoid clicking links in unexpected texts or emails; navigate directly to official websites or apps instead.
• High Pressure: Urgent warnings like “Act immediately” or “Warrant issued” are red flags designed to rush you.
• Verification: Always verify unexpected requests using an official phone number or website before sharing personal details or money.
• Getting Help: If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to your bank, local police (non-emergency), or ReportFraud.ftc.gov.